Intel and Nokia to Put MeeGo Into Next-Generation Mobile Devices

The ongoing relationship between Intel and Nokia, began as a strategic collaboration announced in June 2009, has just become tighter, with the two partners having announced that they would be combining their popular Maemo and Moblin software platforms into a new one. Set to be called MeeGo, the new platform will enable a range of Internet, computing and communication experiences, with advanced multimedia capabilities, multitasking and elaborate graphics.

The MeeGo will be an open software platform that will be able to run on multiple device types. As such, when changing devices, end-users won't lose their favorite applications and will have a variety of products and manufacturers to choose from. This means that consumers will be able to enjoy the upcoming, new, Internet-based applications and services without having to make any compromises.

"Our vision for seamlessly communicating between computing devices from the home, auto, office or your pocket is taking a big step forward today with the introduction of MeeGo," Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini said. "This is a foundational step in our evolving relationship with Nokia. The merging of these two important assets into an open source platform is critical toward providing a terrific experience across a variety of devices and gaining cross-industry support."

Among the products that the MeeGo will run on are netbooks, tablets PCs, mediaphones, pocketable mobile computers, connected TVs and in-vehicle infotainment systems. MeeGo and Symbian-based Nokia device owners will be able to acquire content through the Ovi Store. Intel, on the other hand, will use its Atom Developer Program and its AppUp Center to provide Intel-based products with applications and other software.

The MeeGo software platform will be hosted as a fully open source project by the Linux Foundation, with the first release being currently scheduled for the second quarter of the ongoing year.